This anthology brings together everything from space travel to dragons, blending sci-fi and fantasy into a collection that explores different ideas and styles.
⸻
L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future (Vol. 42)
by L. Ron Hubbard, et al.
💜I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
⸻
💜 The Premise
As Jody Lynn Nye notes in the Introduction to the Future International Writers’ Program contest, becoming a writer is not an easy thing and there are no shortcuts. This is something I can completely relate to as an author working to publish my first book this year. I found this introduction to be inspirational as it encourages authors to just finish the story. And as Echo Chernik said in the Introduction to the Future International Illustrators’ Program contest, “Perserverence is key.”
The two Introductions did a great job of setting expectations and explaining the contest, and the stories, illustrations and essays that followed delivered on that promise.
While there isn’t a single unifying theme, the variety of stories and artistic styles is what makes this anthology stand out.
⸻
💥 Favorite Authors and Illustrators Featured
This anthology includes stories from the following 12 authors from the Future International Writers’ Program: Thomas K. Slee, Kathleen Powell, Elina Kumra, Zach Poulter, Brenda Posey, S.J. Stevenson, Thomas R. Eggenberger, Dorothy De Kok, Mark McWaters, Michael T. Kuester, Mike Strickland, and Joseph Sidari
It also includes illustrations from the following 12 illustrators from the Future International Illustrators’ Program: Art Ikuta, Bafu, Tray Streeter, Haileigh Enriquez, Tracy Eire, Roddy Taylor, Ciruelo Cabral, Haotian Allen Zhang, Tracy Eire, Anna Malone, April Solomon, Nathan Deiwert, Karah Richardson, and Josie Moore.
Three short stories from: L. Ron Hubbard, Orson Scott Card, and Nina Kiriki Hoffman.
And three essays from: L. Ron Hubbard, Brian C. Hailes, and Larry Niven.
The art featured in this anthology was magnificent and so unique and varied. One of my favorite illustrations was also the cover illustration by Ciruelo Cabral entitled “The Fire Tribe”. Another favorite was “Dragon Visits” by April Solomon. The talent of all of the artists featured in this anthology stunned me and left me moved.
The stories featured in this anthology range from imaginative to thought-provoking, with some pushing into more surreal and mind-bending territory. As with most anthologies, there are stories that resonated stronger than others for me, however I enjoyed this anthology and the mixture that made up its stories and illustrations.
One of the standout essays, “Artistic Presentation” by L. Ron Hubbard encourages the reader to think about the society we live in and the impact of automation on our lives. Hubbard emphasis the way society encourages to use the least amount effort in everything we do. However, art is not easy; It requires effort. In a world full of Artificial Intelligence and mainstreaming processes to the point of eliminating human interaction, this essay leaves the reader deep in thought. And the human element should not be lost.
I also loved the short story “Dragon Visits” by Nina Kiriki Hoffman paired with the illustration by April Solomon. This story had me feeling the music and emotion and asking Siri to play the referenced music so that I could hear it as well as feel it. The story and illustration paired perfectly together and left me fully immersed in the art produced by the two talents.
⸻
🔥 Rating & Spice Level
🌶️ Spice Level: 🌶️ (no spice)
⭐️ Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⸻
✨ Final Thoughts
This anthology feels like a showcase of emerging talent across sci-fi and fantasy. I found myself drawn in by the creativity and range, and I’m curious to see where many of these authors and artists go next.
⸻
📚 Where to Read
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
POP GLAM LIFE 