The Starry Rift: Tales of New Tomorrows

Edited by Jonathan Strahan.

Truly successful science fiction does two things: it gives credible glimpses into the future while entertaining the reader. With this in mind, noted anthologist Jonathan Strahan — who is also the reviews editor of Locus magazine — asked sixteen of today’s most inventive, compelling writers to look past the horizon of the present day. Neil Gaiman (Anansi Boys), Kelly Link (Magic for Beginners), Garth Nix (the Abhorsen Trilogy), Scott Westerfeld (Uglies; Pretties; Specials) and their colleagues have crafted a dazzling range of stories. Whether on spaceships, in suburbia, or in simulated gaming worlds, whether about cloning, battle tactics, or corporate politics, the stories of The Starry Rift will give every reader something to consider. This original anthology is crucial reading for those who want to see where the future — and the future of science fiction — is headed.

Contents:

• Introduction
• Ass-Hat Magic Spider by Scott Westerfeld
• Cheats by Gwyneth Jones (as by Ann Halam)
• Orange by Neil Gaiman
• The Surfer by Kelly Link
• Repair Kit by Stephen Baxter
• The Dismantled Invention of Fate by Jeffrey Ford
• Anda's Game by Cory Doctorow
• Sundiver Day by Kathleen Ann Goonan
• The Dust Assassin by Ian McDonald
• The Star Surgeon's Apprentice by Alastair Reynolds
• An Honest Day's Work by Margo Lanagan
• Lost Continent by Greg Egan
• Incomers by Paul McAuley
• Post-Ironic Stress Syndrome by Tricia Sullivan
• Infestation by Garth Nix
• Pinocchio by Walter Jon Williams