I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions are my own. 

A brilliant new collection of science fiction, fantasy and horror stories come together in the book “Writers of the Future Volume 38.”

The Synopsis

In the World of Science Fiction…

…this Anthology stands out for three reasons:

Stories. Art. Extras.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, these writers of the future have earned their place in volume 38. With 25 award-winning authors and illustrators, this collection is a masterwork.

The essays by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson, Frank Herbert, L. Ron Hubbard, and Diane Dillon are just as wonderful as the stories. Do you want to know Frank Herbert’s “Single Most Important Piece of Advice?”

Volume 38 is a treasure.

You’ll love this collection from past and future science fiction masters, because these stories are hand-picked by some of your favorite authors—including Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, Nnedi Okorafor, Robert J. Sawyer, and Jody Lynn Nye.

Get it now.

Featured Stories:

“Agatha’s Monster” by Azure Arther

In a world where monster killing and trapping is big business, one girl from a Hunter family decides she won’t kill monsters. As a matter of fact, her best friend is one…

“The Magic Book of Accidental City Destruction:A Book Wizard’s Guide”

by Z. T. Bright

A “book wizard” wants to help a pair of young orphaned brothers repair their relationship. But a powerful new magic book with problematic spellwork stands in the way.

“The Squid Is My Brother” by Mike Jack Stoumbos

The daughter of Neptune Station’s greatest hero is about to face her most daunting mission yet: elementary school on Earth.

“Gallows” by Desmond Astaire

A bartender with a vendetta against the future must determine if his customer is a time-traveling tourist.

“The Professor Was a Thief” by L. Ron Hubbard

Grant’s Tomb—missing! Pennsylvania Station—missing! The Empire State Building—missing! New York City is disappearing piece by piece…

“Lilt of a Lark” by Michael Panter

A disgraced Lark is forced to take the job nobody wants. His songs can sway minds, but there’s no margin for mistake in the frozen north.

“The Mystical Farrago” by N. V. Haskell

When a lieutenant with a mysterious past discovers an exotic creature held captive by a travelling farrago, they must decide how far they will go to save what matters most…

“Tsuu, Tsuu, Kasva Suuremasse” by Rebecca E. Treasure

Alone but for her grandchild and a fox spirit, Emily braves Russia’s winter and Napoleon’s army to keep her family alive … and together.

“The Daddy Box” by Frank Herbert

An abused boy finds an alien artifact that gives him the strength to reshape his life and stand up to his violent stepfather.

“The Island on the Lake” by John Coming

A son must decide whether to follow his father’s footsteps and accept a responsibility he doesn’t understand.

“The Phantom Carnival” by M. Elizabeth Ticknor

When a desperate bid to recover stolen memories goes wrong, Alice must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her best friend.

“The Last Dying Season” by Brittany Rainsdon

A botanist must cure a dying planet before an evacuation when she will be forced to leave her young daughter behind.

“A Word of Power” by David Farland

When Fava, a Neanderthal shaman, discovers the men of metal driving away her mammoths, she must find magic powerful enough to save the herd.

“The Greater Good” by Em Dupre

Technology suppresses crime on the generation ship Eudoxus, until a body is discovered threatening the years of peace.

“For the Federation” by J. A. Becker

A genetically engineered assassin, concubine, and bodyguard has to unravel the entirety of her being to save her son…

“Psychic Poker” by Lazarus Black

Tyson doesn’t need to be psychic to know the invitation is a trap, but he can’t refuse a poker tournament with the highest stakes imaginable.

THE REVIEW

This is a rich, compelling collection of stories. Each story has a unique voice that keeps readers invested in the characters and the story. The powerful imagery and ability to draw readers into these vast worlds so quickly were thrilling to see come to life on the page. The immersive experience of visualizing these stories, along with the balance of short stories, powerful essays, and outstanding artwork, made this collection really pop.

In my opinion, two of the most outstanding stories were “Agatha’s Monsters” by Azure Arther and “A World of Power” by David Farland. The wide range of subgenres found in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genres was on full display in these stories, highlighting the sometimes humorous and often heartfelt connection people form in society when others try to tell them they don’t belong together, as they did in Agatha’s Monsters, while the fusion of magic and technology found in A World of Power made this particular narrative visceral and wildly imaginative, allowing for an almost cinematic experience on the page.

THE VERDICT

Fantastically written, compelling, and entertaining, “Writers of the Future Vol. 38” is a must-read collection of short stories, essays, and artwork that brings sci-fi and fantasy to life. The twists and turns, plus the compelling world-building and character development, will keep readers invested and coming back again and again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10