This issue presents a diverse collection of science fiction and fantasy stories exploring themes such as corporate exploitation, first contact, memory, and identity, with standout tales featuring virtual clones, augmented soldiers, and vibrant future societies. Non-fiction pieces examine the relevance of dystopian classics in 2025, the intersection of women and technology, and the challenges of AI-generated submissions in publishing.
Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 227, August 2025, is a science fiction and fantasy magazine featuring a mix of short stories, non-fiction articles, interviews, and cover art. The issue includes eight fiction pieces such as "A Shaky Bridge" by Marissa Lingen, "And The Planet Loved Him" by L Chan, and "Sea of Fertility" by Bella Han, among others. Non-fiction content includes an article comparing "1984" and "The Handmaid's Tale" in a modern context, interviews with Brenda Cooper and Fran Wilde, and an editorial on AI submissions. The cover art for this issue is "Blue Ship" by Pascal Blanché. The magazine is edited by Neil Clarke and was published on July 31, 2025.
Readers highlighted several stories as standouts, with "Sea of Fertility" by Bella Han being described as visually rich and profound, and "Vwooom!" by Uchechukwu Nwaka praised for its evocative and stimulating writing. "Sleeper" by R.T. Ester was noted for its engaging mix of virtual clones, mystery, and cults of personality, while "And The Planet Loved Him" by L Chan was appreciated for its depth and exploration of choice in a first-contact scenario. "A Shaky Bridge" by Marissa Lingen and "Memories Are Only Valuable if They Can Be Lost" by Ai Jiang were also positively received for their plausible scenarios and detailed world-building.
Some criticisms from readers included dissatisfaction with the ending of "Heart of Thunder" by Raahem Alvi, where the final twist was seen as undermining the story's impact. "A Dream of Twin Sunsets" by Ryan Cole received more moderate feedback, being described as an old romance tale with science fiction elements but not standing out as much as other stories. Overall, while several stories were highly rated, not every piece resonated equally with all readers.
The issue received an average reader rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on two ratings and two full reviews. The magazine continues its tradition of blending fiction and non-fiction, with contributions from a diverse set of authors and interviewees. The publication is recognized for its award-winning status and regular monthly releases, and this issue maintains its focus on both speculative storytelling and commentary on contemporary and future issues in the genre.