Books: The Year`s Top Hard Science Fiction Stories

(Drivebycuriosity) -   I love science fiction. But I get often disappointed. Most of the so-called sci-fi books and movies tell just fantasy stories about wizards, dragons & princesses or post-apocalyptic horror stories. It became increasingly challenging to find real "science fiction" which has science in it and not pure fairy tales. So I am searching for hard science fiction which blend entertainment with sciences like physics, chemistry, biology & advanced engineering.

Fortunately I found: "The Year`s Top Hard Science Fiction Stories" edited by Allan Kaster (amazon).  The editor collected 11 stories which were originally published in the year 2016 (224 pages). Many stories are optimistic and deliver a "we can do it" message.  They are pro science, pro technology and pro progress.

I have six favorites:

"Number Nine Moon" by Alex Irvine. Humans have abandoned their colonies on Mars but a group of scavengers tries to collect some valuable remains. There is an accident threatening to trap them on the abandoned planet. Can they escape?

"Chasing Ivory" by Ted Kosmatka  A woman visits a herd of Mammoths in the Northern Tundra, which have been bioengineered decades ago. What does she plan?

"Something happened here, but we are not quite sure what it was" by Paul McAuley. The story is set on an exotic planet littered with bizarre alien artifacts, Now humans are living there, thanks to the help of very advanced aliens. A conflict of interests arises with a strange outcome.

"Red King" by Craig DeLancey.  Humans have implants in their heads to be connected all the time and to experience virtual reality & computer games very intensely. A coder supports supports some cops to hunt down the creator of a malign software which takes control of the implant users with deadly consequence. The tale is full of paranoia and reminds me of Phillip K. Dick`s strongest stories.

"Vortex" by Gregory Benford. The plot is set again on Mars. Competing teams from different nations are climbing under the surface of the red planet to find alien life. Benford transforms chemistry, biology, evolution and other sciences into a thrilling plot.

"Fieldwork" by Shariann Lewitt. Some scientists are exploring the ice shield which covers the ocean on the Jupiter moon Europa. Not much is happening here but I am fascinated by the combination of knowledge and fiction.

I really enjoyed the book and I learned a lot. Looking forward to read vol. 2 of this series.In the moment of writing each volume costs just $4.99.