First published 2008
When the sky darkens during an eclipse, the world transforms and strange possibilities emerge. Jonathan Strahan captures this sense of wonder in his second annual collection of speculative fiction. Fifteen acclaimed writers contribute original stories that span science fiction and fantasy. Ted Chiang explores the nature of consciousness in "Exhalation." Nancy Kress takes readers on a mysterious elevator journey. Alastair Reynolds delivers space opera intensity in "Fury." Karl Schroeder returns to his Virga universe with "The Hero." Peter S. Beagle offers "The Rabbi's Hobby," while Jeffrey Ford presents "The Seventh Expression of the Robot General." Other contributors include David Moles, Tony Daniel, Ken Scholes, Paul Cornell, Margo Lanagan, Richard Parks, Daryl Gregory, Terry Dowling, and Stephen Baxter. Each story transforms familiar elements into something unexpected, much like an eclipse transforms ordinary daylight into something otherworldly.
Genres: short-stories, science-fiction, anthologies, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: anthology, found-family
256 pages · Paperback · Night Shade Books