The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Five

The Best Science Fiction of the Year #5 / 9

Edited by Neil Clarke.

From Hugo Award-Winning Editor Neil Clarke, the Best Science Fiction Stories of the Year Collected in a Single Paperback Volume

Keeping up-to-date with the most buzzworthy and cutting-edge science fiction requires sifting through countless magazines, e-zines, websites, blogs, original anthologies, single-author collections, and more — a task that can be accomplished by only the most determined and voracious readers. For everyone else, Night Shade Books is proud to present the latest volume of The Best Science Fiction of the Year, a yearly anthology compiled by Hugo and World Fantasy Award–winning editor Neil Clarke, collecting the finest that the genre has to offer, from the biggest names in the field to the most exciting new writers.

The best science fiction scrutinizes our culture and politics, examines the limits of the human condition, and zooms across galaxies at faster-than-light speeds, moving from the very near future to the far-flung worlds of tomorrow in the space of a single sentence. Clarke, publisher and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed and award-winning magazine Clarkesworld, has selected the short science fiction (and only science fiction) best representing the previous year’s writing, showcasing the talent, variety, and awesome “sensawunda” that the genre has to offer.

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Science Fiction Anthology

Release date: October 6, 2020

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Neil Clarke

Neil Clarke is an influential name in the world of speculative fiction, known for his sharp editorial eye and his unwavering commitment to bringing groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy stories to readers around the globe. As the editor of Clarkesworld Magazine, Clarke has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern landscape of genre literature, curating narratives that push boundaries while remaining deeply human. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards, solidifying his place as one of the most respected editors in the field.

Born in 1966 in New Jersey, Clarke’s journey into the world of science fiction began as a passion for reading and a fascination with the possibilities of speculative worlds. His deep understanding of the genre, combined with a keen sense of what resonates with readers, led him to establish Clarkesworld Magazine in 2006. Since then, the magazine has become a cornerstone of online speculative fiction, known for its diverse array of voices and its commitment to both emerging and established authors. Under Clarke's stewardship, Clarkesworld has become synonymous with excellence, earning praise for its thoughtful curation and its ability to present fresh, exciting stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences.

Beyond his role at Clarkesworld, Neil Clarke has also edited several highly regarded anthologies, including the Best Science Fiction of the Year series, where his editorial expertise is on full display. These collections showcase Clarke's discerning taste, highlighting the best in modern science fiction and offering readers a carefully curated selection of what’s new and exciting in the genre. His work as an editor is marked by his ability to spot emerging trends and bring together stories that are both innovative and timeless.

Clarke’s influence extends beyond editing. As the owner of Wyrm Publishing, he has been instrumental in bringing unique and thought-provoking books to the forefront, working with celebrated authors like Gene Wolfe and Catherynne M. Valente. His other editorial ventures, such as Forever Magazine and his role with the SFWA Bulletin, further cement his status as a key figure in the speculative fiction community.

Despite his busy career, Neil Clarke remains dedicated to his craft, constantly striving to create spaces where diverse voices in speculative fiction can thrive. He continues to inspire readers and writers alike, shaping the genre through his work with Clarkesworld, his anthologies, and his ongoing commitment to fostering the next generation of science fiction and fantasy authors.

With his unrelenting passion for speculative storytelling and his visionary approach to publishing, Clarke has carved out a lasting legacy in the world of science fiction—a legacy built on inclusivity, creativity, and a genuine love for the craft.

The Best Science Fiction of the Year

The Best Science Fiction of the Year series, curated and edited by Neil Clarke, offers a sweeping collection of the most thought-provoking and boundary-pushing stories from the world of speculative fiction. Each annual volume acts as a time capsule, capturing the essence of the genre's evolution, highlighting both established voices and fresh talent, and presenting a diverse range of stories that tackle the most pressing questions of our time, all through the lens of the extraordinary and the impossible.

What sets The Best Science Fiction of the Year apart is its ability to blend the familiar with the unknown. From dystopian futures to mind-bending explorations of technology and the human condition, the anthology pushes the boundaries of what science fiction can achieve. The carefully selected stories within each volume explore deeply human emotions—love, loss, hope, fear—while also navigating the vast, uncharted territories of space, artificial intelligence, and alternative realities. This series isn’t just about grand, far-flung adventures; it’s about examining the very essence of what it means to be human, often through the most unexpected of lenses.

Clarke’s deft editing ensures that every story within The Best Science Fiction of the Year resonates with the reader, weaving together intricate plots, nuanced characters, and speculative concepts in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. Whether delving into ethical quandaries of advanced technology, exploring the limits of consciousness, or presenting new takes on familiar tropes, each entry challenges readers to think, feel, and question the world they know. The collection has earned its reputation as a high-water mark for contemporary science fiction, offering readers both a window into the genre’s future and a mirror reflecting today’s complex realities.

Beyond the individual stories themselves, the series captures a moment in time—offering insight into the evolving voices, concerns, and trends that are shaping the genre. From climate change to artificial intelligence, from societal collapse to the exploration of alien worlds, The Best Science Fiction of the Year is not only a collection of extraordinary tales but a reflection of the world in which we live. Each volume invites readers to consider how speculative fiction serves as a mirror to our world, offering a glimpse of potential futures while also confronting the challenges we face in the present.

With its keen eye for both the literary and the fantastical, The Best Science Fiction of the Year stands as a testament to the power of speculative fiction to reflect, critique, and inspire. Perfect for both long-time fans of the genre and newcomers eager to dive into the forefront of science fiction, this anthology series is a celebration of storytelling at its most imaginative and its most profound.

The Best Science Fiction of the Year consists of eight books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume One (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #1)

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The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Two (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #2)

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The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Three (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #3)

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The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Four (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #4)

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The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Five (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #5)

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The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Six (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #6)

⧗ 8.00 / 1

The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Seven (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #7)

⧗ 8.34 / 3

The Best Science Fiction of the Year: Volume Eight (The Best Science Fiction of the Year #8)

⧗ 8.34 / 3

⧗ 8.00 / 1

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