Immerse Yourself in the Writers of the Future!

“This annual series offers 12 dazzling stories that push speculative fiction and fantasy into inventive and invigorating territories.”—Library Journal Audio

“The range is extraordinary: hard science fiction bristles with urgency, fantasy shimmers with mythic depth, and quieter, character-driven tales linger long after the final page. These are not tentative first steps but confident strides from writers poised to shape the genre's future.”—The International Review of Books

“Exceeded my expectations. Amazing.”―OnLineBookClub.com

Discover the next generation of science fiction and fantasy with twelve emerging authors and three powerhouse storytellers with unforgettable voices and world-class storytelling—narrated by Stefan Rudnicki, Orson Scott Card, Gabrielle De Cuir, Janina Edwards, Susan Hanfield, Kirby Heyborne, John Lee, Jim Meskimen, and Scott Peterson.

If 42 is the answer, these stories ask the questions worth thinking about.

What if a perfect rescue went catastrophically wrong?

What if the “better you” doesn’t want to share your life?

What if love could survive inside a virtual reality?

Inside, you’ll encounter a flawless time-rescue gone wrong, a beauty treatment with terrifying consequences, a detective hunted by a body-hopping killer, and a homesteader uncovering a truth that rewrites Earth itself. You’ll also find dragons that defy myth, fairy-tale chaos, supernatural horror, and high-concept science fiction that blends heart, humor, and imagination.

From time travel and first contact to magical realism, monsters, and folklore-inspired fantasy, every story is paired with an original illustration—bringing these worlds vividly to life.

Featuring original stories by Orson Scott Card and Nina Kiriki Hoffman, alongside twelve rising stars shaping the future of speculative fiction, Writers of the Future Volume 42 is your gateway to bold ideas, fresh voices, and stories readers love to discover—and recommend.

Featuring original stories by Orson Scott Card and Nina Kirki Hoffman.

Perfect for fans of:

Orson Scott Card, Nina Kirki Hoffman, Blake Crouch, Brandon Sanderson, V. E. Schwab, Naomi Novik, Michael Crichton, Ted Chiang, Ken Liu, and Black Mirror.

Includes:

• 12 illustrated stories from emerging stars of speculative fiction in an accompanying PDF.

• 3 bonus stories by bestselling authors.

• 3 articles on the craft and business of writing and illustrating from top creators

Selected from thousands of entries worldwide, Writers of the Future Volume 42 brings together a new generation of emerging authors and illustrators—your launchpad into the future of science fiction and fantasy.