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A review by micksland
Forward: Stories of Tomorrow by N.K. Jemisin, Blake Crouch, Paul Tremblay, Amor Towles, Veronica Roth, Andy Weir
4.0
4 stars
This is a great anthology of science fiction novellas. Each of the six stories within the book focuses on futurism and the ways in which technology might influence the development of human culture, while also exploring the nature of humanity itself.
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“Ark” by Veronica Roth - 2.5 stars
Unfortunately, the anthology starts with the worst of the lot. It’s not bad, per se, but it is generic and entirely forgettable. (Much like the author’s “Divergent” series).
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“Summer Frost” by Blake Crouch - 5 stars
What happens when a video game character becomes sentient? Especially if that character was an NPC who is only designed to be murdered in the game’s prologue? Excellent character work and dialogue.
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“Emergency Skin” by N.K. Jemisin - 4 stars
Another interesting storytelling choice from the queen of second person narration. An AI narrates instructions to an unseen protagonist, leaving necessary information available only through inference. Slightly preachy concept, but great writing makes up for it.
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“You Have Arrived at your Destination” by Amor Towles - 5 stars
What if you could choose not only the sex and IQ of your future children, but also their entire path through life? A new fertility clinic finds out. Reminiscent of Stephen King’s style, and I mean that in the best way.
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“The Last Conversation” by Paul Tremblay - 5 stars
Horror meets science fiction meets mystery in this story. The narrator wakes up in a sealed room with only one physician who can speak to them. What’s going on? Do you even want to know? (Answer: no, you don’t)
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“Randomize” by Andy Weir - 4 stars
Quantum computing meets Vegas in this tale about Keno and random number generators. Short but entertaining.
This is a great anthology of science fiction novellas. Each of the six stories within the book focuses on futurism and the ways in which technology might influence the development of human culture, while also exploring the nature of humanity itself.
—
“Ark” by Veronica Roth - 2.5 stars
Unfortunately, the anthology starts with the worst of the lot. It’s not bad, per se, but it is generic and entirely forgettable. (Much like the author’s “Divergent” series).
—
“Summer Frost” by Blake Crouch - 5 stars
What happens when a video game character becomes sentient? Especially if that character was an NPC who is only designed to be murdered in the game’s prologue? Excellent character work and dialogue.
—
“Emergency Skin” by N.K. Jemisin - 4 stars
Another interesting storytelling choice from the queen of second person narration. An AI narrates instructions to an unseen protagonist, leaving necessary information available only through inference. Slightly preachy concept, but great writing makes up for it.
—
“You Have Arrived at your Destination” by Amor Towles - 5 stars
What if you could choose not only the sex and IQ of your future children, but also their entire path through life? A new fertility clinic finds out. Reminiscent of Stephen King’s style, and I mean that in the best way.
—
“The Last Conversation” by Paul Tremblay - 5 stars
Horror meets science fiction meets mystery in this story. The narrator wakes up in a sealed room with only one physician who can speak to them. What’s going on? Do you even want to know? (Answer: no, you don’t)
—
“Randomize” by Andy Weir - 4 stars
Quantum computing meets Vegas in this tale about Keno and random number generators. Short but entertaining.