Future Fiction: New Dimensions in International Science Fiction Edited by Bill Campbell and Francesco Verso

Rosarium Publishing, 2018

ISBN 13: 978-0998705910

Available: Paperback, Kindle

Future Fiction is a new anthology of short science fiction from around the world. Representing African countries, China, Spain, and others, this collection seeks to bring the reader a sampling of some very fine, if mature, short science fiction. The stories here seem to approach the genre much the way The Twilight Zone did: they are dark, unique and somewhat surreal takes on what the future will be like.

Standouts include Nina Munteau’s “The Way of Water”, which imagines a future where water has become currency, and to run out of your cash is to literally die of thirst. Tendai Huchu’s “Hostbods” explores what it really is like to have your consciousness placed within a fresh new body. Xia Jia’s “TongTong’s Summer” is a wonderful look at caregiving for an older relative when you’re a child, during the summer, and you have a prototype android to help you. These stories really draw you in, and give you an excellent sense of science fiction, horror, and dark fantasy from around the world. The target audience is definitely most appropriate for teens and adults.  I highly recommend Future Fiction: New Dimensions in International Science Fiction, for any library looking to diversify its short story collections with quality fiction.

Contains: Gore, Violence, Graphic Sex, Adult Situations

Reviewed by Ben Franz