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.