A review by zoes_human
The New Voices of Science Fiction by S. Qiouyi Lu, E. Lily Yu, Lettie Prell, Suzanne Palmer, Rebecca Roanhorse, Jamie Wahls, David Erik Nelson, Alexander Weinstein, Sarah Pinsker, Darcie Little Badger, Nino Cipri, Amal El-Mohtar, Alice Sola Kim, Jacob Weisman, Vina Jie-Min Prasad, Kelly Robson, Amman Sabet, Hannu Rajaniemi, Rich Larson, Sam J. Miller, Jason Sanford
4.0
The best of science fiction uses the tools of the future to examine the complexities of the now. This anthology is most certainly the best. The New Voices of Science Fiction contains an exceptional collection of stories set in diverse and fascinating worlds, where the eternal dramas of the human experience are acted out in new and interesting ways as each author explores the mysteries of identity, relationships, and the human condition in their own unique style. While there is an overall tone of hope, substance was never sacrificed for joy, and readers will find depth throughout the collection.
Furthermore, I don't think I've ever seen anything like parity before in an anthology. In fact, I know that I haven't. Authors of various cultures, genders, races, sexualities, and ethnicities lend their voices to this collection, which is in no small way part of why the collection is so fresh.
STORY NOTES
Openness
Alexander Weinstein
4 stars
How does the rhythm of relationships change when social media becomes an imbedded part of life and an integrated part of romance?
The Shape of My Name
Nino Cipri
5 stars
A powerful story about anger and forgiveness in an imperfect family
Utopian, LOL?
Jamie Wahls
5 stars
When a human is placed in stasis until they can be cured, will they be able to recognize or cope with the humanity and world of the future? An amusing story with a beautiful ending.
Mother Tongues
Qiouyi Lu
5 stars
A heartwrenchingly beautiful tale of an immigrant mother's love for her child and her gift of the ultimate sacrifice.
In the Sharing Place
David Erik Nelson
4 stars
How does the human race survive in a future where mental flexibility and true acceptance are the only key to viability in the new world?
A Series of Steaks
Vina Jie-Min Prasad
5 stars
A woman struggling to keep her head above water faces an uncertain future when an anonymous and powerful enemy exploits her vulnerable position.
The Secret Life of Bots
Suzanne Palmer
3 stars
A derelict ship and her crew hurtle through space on a desperate mission to save humanity before the crumbling vessel falls apart.
Ice
Rich Larson
4 stars
What conflicts arise between siblings when parents choose genetic modification for their second child but not their first?
One Hour, Every Seven Years
Alice Sola Kim
4 stars
A woman with access to a time machine repeatedly tries to save herself only to find that she needs saving again.
Toppers
Jason Sanford
4 stars
A girl lost in time tries to find safety from a decaying future.
Tender Loving Plastics
Amman Sabet
5 stars
What is the shape of life for a child raised by an AI foster system, and how do they satisfy the longing to return home?
Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience
Rebecca Roanhorse
5 stars
An Indian man struggles to come to terms with his identity while making his living selling a stereotype of his culture. Absolutely incredible on so many levels. A perfect story. Not only does the writing flow in a completely natural fashion, but the subtext is a much needed statement on modern American relations between indigenous and settler peoples.
Strange Waters
Samantha Mills
4 stars
A mother throws herself repeatedly back into danger and strife all for the slimmest hope that she will see her children once more.
Calved
Sam J. Miller
5 stars
An immigrant father struggles to remain close to a teenage son separated by divorce and culture.
The Need for Air
Lettie Prell
5 stars
A mother tries to provide only the best for her child but fails to recognize the subjectivity of her choices and the validity of her child's desires.
Robo-Liopleurodon!
Darcie Little Badger
4 stars
A humorous slice-of-life piece of microfiction about the dangers of pursuing your passion in a dying field
The Doing and Undoing of Jacob E. Mwangi
E. Lily Yu
3 stars
An examination of life with a guaranteed income. This is one of two stories that fell flat for me. The writing was excellent and the universe creative, but the story arc felt too pat.
Madeleine
Amal El-Mohtar
3 stars
A woman throws herself into a medical experiment in the wake of her mother's death only to find herself lost in unanticipated side effects. This story probably deserves a better rating than I gave it. Due to my personal history, I find stories about grieving the death of a loved one highly unrelatable.
Our Lady of the Open Road
Sarah Pinsker
2 stars
A woman and her band struggle to maintain the tradition of live music while resisting the temptation of new opportunities. This was my least favorite. I felt zero connection with the motivations of the characters, and the whole experience was like hearing someone reminisce longingly about something altogether unpleasant.
A Study in Oils
Kelly Robson
A man flees to ancient Earth to hide from predators in the wake of a crime. There among those who live in traditional ways, he works through his guilt with an art that ha long been forbidden to him.
Furthermore, I don't think I've ever seen anything like parity before in an anthology. In fact, I know that I haven't. Authors of various cultures, genders, races, sexualities, and ethnicities lend their voices to this collection, which is in no small way part of why the collection is so fresh.
STORY NOTES
Openness
Alexander Weinstein
4 stars
How does the rhythm of relationships change when social media becomes an imbedded part of life and an integrated part of romance?
The Shape of My Name
Nino Cipri
5 stars
A powerful story about anger and forgiveness in an imperfect family
Utopian, LOL?
Jamie Wahls
5 stars
When a human is placed in stasis until they can be cured, will they be able to recognize or cope with the humanity and world of the future? An amusing story with a beautiful ending.
Mother Tongues
Qiouyi Lu
5 stars
A heartwrenchingly beautiful tale of an immigrant mother's love for her child and her gift of the ultimate sacrifice.
In the Sharing Place
David Erik Nelson
4 stars
How does the human race survive in a future where mental flexibility and true acceptance are the only key to viability in the new world?
A Series of Steaks
Vina Jie-Min Prasad
5 stars
A woman struggling to keep her head above water faces an uncertain future when an anonymous and powerful enemy exploits her vulnerable position.
The Secret Life of Bots
Suzanne Palmer
3 stars
A derelict ship and her crew hurtle through space on a desperate mission to save humanity before the crumbling vessel falls apart.
Ice
Rich Larson
4 stars
What conflicts arise between siblings when parents choose genetic modification for their second child but not their first?
One Hour, Every Seven Years
Alice Sola Kim
4 stars
A woman with access to a time machine repeatedly tries to save herself only to find that she needs saving again.
Toppers
Jason Sanford
4 stars
A girl lost in time tries to find safety from a decaying future.
Tender Loving Plastics
Amman Sabet
5 stars
What is the shape of life for a child raised by an AI foster system, and how do they satisfy the longing to return home?
Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience
Rebecca Roanhorse
5 stars
An Indian man struggles to come to terms with his identity while making his living selling a stereotype of his culture. Absolutely incredible on so many levels. A perfect story. Not only does the writing flow in a completely natural fashion, but the subtext is a much needed statement on modern American relations between indigenous and settler peoples.
Strange Waters
Samantha Mills
4 stars
A mother throws herself repeatedly back into danger and strife all for the slimmest hope that she will see her children once more.
Calved
Sam J. Miller
5 stars
An immigrant father struggles to remain close to a teenage son separated by divorce and culture.
The Need for Air
Lettie Prell
5 stars
A mother tries to provide only the best for her child but fails to recognize the subjectivity of her choices and the validity of her child's desires.
Robo-Liopleurodon!
Darcie Little Badger
4 stars
A humorous slice-of-life piece of microfiction about the dangers of pursuing your passion in a dying field
The Doing and Undoing of Jacob E. Mwangi
E. Lily Yu
3 stars
An examination of life with a guaranteed income. This is one of two stories that fell flat for me. The writing was excellent and the universe creative, but the story arc felt too pat.
Madeleine
Amal El-Mohtar
3 stars
A woman throws herself into a medical experiment in the wake of her mother's death only to find herself lost in unanticipated side effects. This story probably deserves a better rating than I gave it. Due to my personal history, I find stories about grieving the death of a loved one highly unrelatable.
Our Lady of the Open Road
Sarah Pinsker
2 stars
A woman and her band struggle to maintain the tradition of live music while resisting the temptation of new opportunities. This was my least favorite. I felt zero connection with the motivations of the characters, and the whole experience was like hearing someone reminisce longingly about something altogether unpleasant.
A Study in Oils
Kelly Robson
A man flees to ancient Earth to hide from predators in the wake of a crime. There among those who live in traditional ways, he works through his guilt with an art that ha long been forbidden to him.