
In this collection edited by Nebula, Lambda, and Hugo Award finalist Mandelo, many of the contributors imagine troubled futures for humanity but always with hopefulness. Nearly every story features the power of connection; love blooms after a fungal disaster, or friendship renews despite a social media–driven dystopia. There’s also a collective so welcoming that new members blend in seamlessly, losing their fear but not their individuality. While some of the stories are platonic, others focus on the joy of sex. For all the hope, happiness isn’t assured; the collection helps readers shed necessary tears alongside healing laughter. They can chuckle at a teenager’s foolish plan that manages to transform into a rebellion and cry shamelessly a few stories later over a digital ghost of the truest friend; cerebral sci-fi that trades places with a cheeky story riffing off campy ’80s music. Religion here can be both traumatic and transformative.
VERDICT This is a rare anthology in which every story shines. A must have for anyone who loves speculative fiction.
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