Dive into the captivating worlds of The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024, expertly curated by New York Times bestselling author Hugh Howey and series editor John Joseph Adams. This thrilling anthology presents a diverse collection of short stories that push the boundaries of imagination. From supernatural hitmen to sentient spaceships, Howey's selection challenges perceptions and sparks wonder. Encounter daring world-building, audacious characters, and twisted realities in tales that range from Korean folklore retellings to futuristic road trips. Prepare to be captivated by the year's most innovative and thought-provoking science fiction and fantasy, featuring work from acclaimed authors like A.R. Capetta, P. Djèlí Clark, and Amal El-Mohtar, among others.
Review The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024
As a science fiction enthusiast, I dove into "The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024" with high expectations, and honestly, it mostly delivered. Edited by the acclaimed Hugh Howey, this anthology promises a diverse range of speculative fiction, and it largely keeps that promise. The collection's strength lies in its variety; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of different styles, tones, and thematic explorations. We're treated to everything from gritty, near-future dystopias to fantastical tales brimming with magic and monsters, and even some clever reinterpretations of classic myths.
While the split between science fiction and fantasy is roughly even, I found the fantasy selections particularly compelling, especially for someone who doesn't usually gravitate towards the genre. Many leaned more towards the dark and unsettling, avoiding the typical tropes and venturing into genuinely creepy territory. This unexpected horror element was a welcome surprise and added a layer of depth I wasn't anticipating.
Several stories stood out as exceptional. "How It Unfolds" by James S.A. Corey was a fascinating exploration of identity and regret in a mind-bending sci-fi context, while "Window Boy" by Thomas Ha captivated with its unsettling atmosphere and chilling twist. Rebecca Roanhorse's contributions, particularly "Falling Bodies," were powerful explorations of colonialism and self-discovery, resonating long after I finished reading. And "Calypso's Guest" by Andrew Sean Greer offered a unique and moving reimagining of a classic myth, expertly blending science fiction elements with a tender love story. These are just a few examples—many others in the collection offered compelling narratives and imaginative world-building.
However, as with any anthology, not every story hit the mark for me personally. Some felt a bit less developed or lacked the same level of impact as the standouts. But even those I didn't connect with as strongly still contributed to the overall breadth and diversity of the collection. This is a testament to the editors' curatorial vision; they've assembled a selection that showcases the vibrant landscape of speculative fiction, even if individual tastes may vary.
The inclusion of author notes and additional information about the selection process was a nice touch, providing valuable context and insight into the creation and reception of the stories. It’s clear a significant amount of thought and care went into choosing and presenting these pieces. Overall, "The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024" is a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a diverse and engaging collection of short stories. While my personal rating might fall slightly below a perfect score due to a few less-compelling entries, the high quality of the majority of the stories and the overall impact make it a strong recommendation for science fiction and fantasy lovers alike. It's a book that will leave you pondering the stories long after you’ve turned the final page, which I consider a sign of a truly successful anthology.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.86 x 8.25 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 384
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Mariner Books
Book table of contents
- Foreword
- Introduction
- JAMES A. COREY. How It Unfolds
- REBECCA ROANHORSE. Eye Tooth
- ISABEL J KIM. Zeta-Ebsilon
- HANA LEE. Bari and the Resurrection Flower
- THOMAS HA. Window Boy
- KEL COLEMAN. Disassembling Light
- ANN LECKIE. The Long Game
- AMAL EL-MOHTAR. John Hollowback and the Witch
- ANDREW SEAN GRECR. Calypsos Guest
- The Blade and the Bloodwright
- Form 8774-D
- Resurrection Highway
- Four Last Things
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