Books: The Newcomer - Twelve Science Fiction Short Stories

 

(Drivebycuriosity) - I like science fiction. Unfortunately most science fiction novels disappoint. Therefore I usually skim collections of science fiction short stories in order to find some gems. I just finished reading "The Newcomer - Twelve Science fiction Short Stories" (Scifi Anthologies Book 1) edited by Alasdair Shaw. The book appeared on my radar because the Kindle version cost just 99 cents (amazon). The anthology focuses on the central theme of an arrival by someone or something new. I enjoyed the variety of ideas, scenery & styles.

I have five favorites:
"First Bonding" by Tom Germann. The story is set in a near time future. A big software corporation (maybe a future Apple or Google) is working on something new and game changing but not legal. A glance glance onto a plausible economy of tomorrow. One of the very few scifi stories which combine economics with technological speculation.

In "The Hawk of Destiny`s Fist" by James S. Aaron a young woman got an an assignment as the new commander of a spaceship which leads to a conflict. A slick combat story. 

"Repulse" by Alasdair Shaw. Again a young woman takes command of a spaceship. A quick piece of military science fiction.

 "Ice Dream" by J J Green tells about a female scientist who tries to recover human brains which have been frozen centuries ago.

"What Make is Your Cat" by Richard Crawford is set in a futuristic London, which is partly drowned by the ocean. A man, who owns a precious cat, wants to make business with a very privileged girl, who has a much higher social status than he but shows much interest in the feline. Funny & surprising.

These stories woke my appetite and I would like read more by their authors and from the Scifi Anthologies. The rest of the collection might entertain different tastes.

Highly recommended for everyone who has a taste for science fiction.