As an avid reader and a lover of speculative fiction, I eagerly delved into The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024, edited by Hugh Howey and John Joseph Adams. The combination of Howey’s insights and the promise of a diverse collection piqued my interest, especially knowing that it showcases some of the finest short stories of the year in this beloved genre.
The anthology includes stories that span a variety of themes and styles, from a sibling duo of supernatural hitmen to sentient spaceships evolving alongside their human counterparts. This breadth of imagination is one of the strongest aspects of the collection, as it truly reflects how speculative fiction can warp reality and push boundaries. I particularly appreciated how each story was chosen not just for its narrative, but also for its capacity to challenge readers, as Howey himself pointed out—a sentiment I wholeheartedly echo after finishing the book.
A standout story for me was Once Upon a Time at The Oakmont by P.A. Cornell, which intricately weaves a romance between characters living in an apartment that exists on the ‘precipice of time.’ The rich world-building and character development made it a joy to read. Another highlight was How It Unfolds by James S.A. Corey, where the narrative tackles complex themes of identity and existence through a science fiction lens. Both stories exemplified the "daring worldbuilding" advertised in the book’s description.
Yet, the collection wasn’t without its drawbacks. Some stories, like Disassembling Light by Kel Coleman, fell flat for me, losing engagement rather quickly. While many stories were thoughtfully curated, a few felt underwhelming or too vague in their conclusions. A couple of fans even expressed disappointment in certain selections, mentioning that some narratives felt more suited for TV than literature.
Reflecting on another reader’s review, I resonate with Puzzle Princess, who praised the brilliancy of the compilation. This anthology does indeed offer a wealth of stories that can satisfy the hunger for innovative science fiction and fantasy, but I must agree with Austin C. Beeman’s observation that there isn’t a singular theme, which may detract from the cohesiveness for some readers. The eclectic mix of genres presented an interesting challenge, as I found myself gravitating towards specific stories while others fell short of my expectations.
Interestingly, I found that the anthology offered not just entertainment but a glimpse into the broader world of speculative fiction, thanks to the additional notes from the editors and authors. These insights allowed me to appreciate the creative processes behind the stories, deepening my connection to the narratives themselves.
The balance of strong narratives and some less engaging entries yielded an overall rating of around 4 stars for me. While I loved many of the stories and appreciated their unique takes on traditional tropes, the inconsistency in quality kept it from reaching a full five-star experience.
In conclusion, The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024 is a compelling read that delivers on its promise of audacious storytelling and world-building. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre looking for fresh voices and creative approaches. Despite its minor shortcomings, the collection offers a sweeping exploration of contemporary speculative fiction that’s well worth the read.