Open the Writers of the Future and be carried away by stories—and illustrations—that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you see the world in ways you never imagined.

Twelve captivating tales from the best new writers of the year accompanied by three more from bestselling authors you’ve read before.

When her owner goes missing, a digital housecat must become more than simulation to find her dearest companion through the virtual world. —“The Edge of Where My Light Is Cast” by Sky McKinnon

No one came to his brother’s funeral. Not even the spirits. Étienne knew it was his fault. —“Son, Spirit, Snake” by Jack Nash

Man overboard is a nightmare scenario for any sailor, but Lieutenant Susan Guidry is also running out of air—and the nearest help is light years away. —“Nonzero” by Tom Vandermolen

Mac wanted to invent a cocktail to burn itself upon the pages of history—but this one had some unexpected side effects. —“The Last Drop” by L. Ron Hubbard and L. Sprague de Camp

Dementia has landed Dan Kennedy in Graydon Manor, and what’s left of his life ahead seems dismal, but a pair of impossible visitors bring unexpected hope. —“The Imagalisk” by Galen Westlake

When a teenage swamp witch fears her mama will be killed, she utilizes her wits and the magic of the bayou—no matter the cost to her own soul. —“Life and Death and Love in the Bayou” by Stephannie Tallent

Our exodus family awoke on the new world—a paradise inexplicably teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are missing.… —“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance Robinson

Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient and hostile to all life. —“Shaman Dreams” by S. M. Stirling

A new app lets users see through the eyes of any human in history, but it’s not long before the secrets of the past catch up with the present. —“The Wall Isn’t a Circle” by Rosalyn Robilliard

In the shadows of Teddy Roosevelt’s wendigo hunt, a Native American boy resolves to turn the tables on his captors, setting his sights on the ultimate prey—America’s Great Chief. —“Da-ko-ta” by Amir Agoora

When squids from outer space take over, a punk-rock P.I. must crawl out of her own miserable existence to find her client’s daughter—and maybe a way out. —“Squiddy” by John Eric Schleicher

Another outbreak? This time it’s a virus with an eighty percent infection rate that affects personality changes … permanently. —“Halo” by Nancy Kress

Planet K2-18b is almost dead, humanity is enslaved, and it’s Rickard’s fault. Now in his twilight years, he’d give an arm and a leg for redemption. Literally.
—“Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber” by James Davies

What if magic could undo the unthinkable, and undo Death itself? Would you use it no matter the cost? What would you sacrifice for love? —“Summer of Thirty Years” by Lisa Silverthorne

Joe is a prospector tasked with exploring the cosmos on behalf of an all-powerful government. Breadna is a toaster. There have been weirder love stories, but that’s unlikely. —“Butter Side Down” by Kal M