A diverse collection of science fiction stories explores themes of identity, loss, and transformation, from a matriarchal starship family’s struggles and digital resurrections of loved ones, to post-ecological collapse societies and far-future humanity facing extinction. The issue also features thought-provoking non-fiction on space exploration, queer representation in STEM, and the evolving boundaries of reality in speculative fiction.

Reader Review Summary

Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 225, June 2025 is a science fiction and fantasy magazine issue featuring a mix of short stories, non-fiction articles, interviews, and cover art. The fiction section includes eight stories such as 'Emily of Emerald Starship' by Ng Yi-Sheng, which explores familial and romantic dynamics in a far-future, matriarchal starship society, and 'If an Algorithm Can Cast a Shadow' by Claire Jia-Wen, which deals with digital resurrection and the psychological impact on a grieving family. Other stories cover themes like ecological collapse, post-human futures, and the consequences of technological transformation. The non-fiction section includes an article on Jupiter, interviews with authors Elizabeth Bear and Matthew Kressel, and an editorial by Neil Clarke. The cover art for this issue is titled 'Azarax' by Marcel Deneuve. The issue was published on May 31, 2025, and has received an average reader rating of 3.25 out of 5 from 8 ratings and 6 full reviews.

Readers highlighted several aspects they appreciated, including the emotional depth and imaginative scope of stories like 'Emily of Emerald Starship,' which was praised for its portrayal of family, love, and tragedy. 'The Eighth Pyramid' was noted for its haunting depiction of far-future humanity, while 'The Last Lunar New Year' was described as sedate and hopeful, with a rich vision of humanity's distant future. 'Outlier' was commended for its gruesome and engaging exploration of transformation and identity. Some reviewers also enjoyed the prose style and worldbuilding, particularly in stories that drew on non-Western influences or offered fresh takes on familiar science fiction themes. The interviews and non-fiction content were mentioned as providing additional context and depth to the issue.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with certain stories, citing issues such as a disconnect between tone and subject matter, particularly in 'If an Algorithm Can Cast a Shadow,' where the depiction of family dynamics was seen as overly caustic and detracting from the story's central themes. 'The Last to Survive' was critiqued for its portrayal of neo-humanity, with one reviewer finding the characters' lives unengaging and the narrative leaving a sense of sadness. A few stories, such as 'In the Shells of Broken Things' and 'The Eighth Pyramid,' received mixed or lower ratings from some readers who felt the execution did not fully meet their expectations. There were also comments about certain endings or narrative resolutions being unsatisfying or leaving questions unanswered.

The issue features contributions from a diverse group of authors, including Ng Yi-Sheng, Claire Jia-Wen, A. T. Greenblatt, and others, with stories drawing on influences ranging from Singaporean theater to classic science fiction motifs. The magazine continues its tradition of blending fiction with non-fiction, offering both speculative narratives and discussions relevant to the genre. The average reader rating suggests a range of responses, with some stories resonating strongly and others less so. The publication maintains its focus on presenting a variety of voices and perspectives within science fiction and fantasy.