YEAR'S BEST SF 18 edited by David G. Hartwell contains an
excellent and diverse collection of science fiction short
stories for 2012. Every story and author is given a short
introduction with additional information on why this story
was chosen or what a particular author has done to push the
science fiction genre into new and exciting directions. I
love these introductions because they provide a face to the
story, which allows me to keep the authors separate, rather
than lumping them all together in my mind. Not to mention,
the introductions are interesting.
There are stories that I really love in this collection and
a few that I remain ambivalent about. None are poorly
written and all push the boundaries of the science fiction
genre. YEAR'S BEST SF 18 is truly a collection that will
have something for every fan of the science fiction genre. I
like science fiction that takes place on Earth, showing the
changes to our home based upon technological advances. Some
readers love the space exploration stories where new races,
new planets, and hybrid cultures exist. No matter what
subgenre of science fiction you prefer, it is represented in
YEAR'S BEST SF 18.
The first story Old Paint by Megan Lindholm is by far
one of my favorite stories in this collection. I love the
lyrical prose and the author's voice, but it's how
technology is combined with a nostalgic view of a child and
her pet that makes this story phenomenal. Old Paint
is very much a story that builds upon the mythos of what
every child should have growing up.
There are twenty-eight stories in YEAR'S BEST SF 18. This is
a dense and extensive collection, which you will continue to
enjoy over the years. It's infinitely re-readable like the
best stories should be. If you're a fan of science fiction,
this is a wonderful collection. Each story offers an
intriguing view of how the path of human, and non-human,
existence can change and adapt to new technologies. It also
re-enforces the aspects of humanity that will remain the
same; ingenuity, hope, curiosity, love, and compassion.
Once again, the finest SF short stories of the year have
been collected in a single volume. With Year's Best SF 18,
acclaimed, award-winning editor and anthologist David G.
Hartwell demonstrates the amazing depth and power of
contemporary speculative fiction, showcasing astonishing
stories from some of science fiction's most respected names
as well as exciting new writers to watch. In this anthology,
prepare to travel light years from the ordinary into a
tomorrow at once breathtaking, frightening, and possible
with some of the greatest tales of wonder published in 2012.