Exploring the Intersection of Science Fiction and Fantasy: A Deep Dive into the End of Earnestness | Los Angeles Review of Books

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024: A Review by Siobhan Maria Carroll

The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024 celebrates ten years of insightful storytelling in short genre fiction. Each year, editor John Joseph Adams picks 80 stories from a variety of sci-fi magazines. These are then reviewed by a guest editor, and Hugh Howey, known for his hit novel “Wool,” leads this year’s compilation. His choices lean toward popular appeal, offering a collection that balances new voices and familiar themes.

This anthology serves as an excellent resource for both readers and aspiring writers. It features diverse tales that showcase various styles and themes in science fiction. Teachers like me find this collection particularly useful for classes since they provoke discussion and inspire literary analysis without the aid of tools like ChatGPT.

Among the striking stories, Sam J. Miller’s “If Someone You Love Has Become a Vurdalak” stands out. It explores addiction through the lens of fantasy. The protagonist, Faraday, must confront his estranged twin brother, who has returned in a vampiric form, highlighting the emotional toll of addiction and relationships.

Thomas Ha’s “Window Boy” presents a different angle, depicting a wealthy boy trying to connect with a child living in a devastated world outside his home. The tension between privilege and survival raises questions about friendship and exploitation.

Ann Leckie’s “The Long Game” offers a lighter tone. It features a snail-like alien with a quirky personality trying to save its species from exploitation. This story captures humor and charm while delivering a thoughtful message about life and purpose.

Rebecca Roanhorse’s “Falling Bodies” dives into identity and belonging. Here, a human adopted by aliens navigates friendships in a new environment. This story’s themes resonate deeply, making it relatable to anyone grappling with personal identity.

Then there’s Sloane Leong’s “The Blade and the Bloodwright,” a dark tale of a witch used as a weapon of war. Its vivid imagery and brutal themes challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths about violence and power dynamics.

Other notable tales explore intricate themes of identity, technology, and the human experience. Isabel J. Kim’s “Zeta-Epsilon” examines a pilot’s bond with a sentient ship, while A. R. Capetta’s “Resurrection Highway” takes us on a wild ride through a necromancer’s world.

This year’s anthology reflects current issues such as imperialism and class divisions, with environmental themes taking a back seat. As society evolves, so do stories, allowing the genre to feel timely and relevant.

Interestingly, characters in this collection often reflect on their roles in flawed systems rather than embodying clear heroes or rebels. This nuanced approach invites readers to think deeply about morality and the complexities of human nature.

While the anthology is strong, I wish it included stories from more literary magazines to widen the range. An introductory essay would also help frame the collection within the larger context of speculative fiction, especially for teaching.

In summary, The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2024 showcases a captivating mix of stories that challenge, entertain, and provoke thought. As we head into 2025, these tales remind us of the resilience of relationships and identity in uncertain times.