"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." – George R. R. Martin
A wonderful allegory of those in the under classes supporting one another.
Muna in Barish by Isha Karki (2023) — 7,971 words (about 32 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Lightspeed magazine issue 158, July 2023.
Here we have a fascinating and excellent use of multiple points of view.
Bodyhoppers by Rocío Veg (2025) — 5,280 words (about 21 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Clarkesworld magazine issue #221, February 2025.
A vegetarian cook decides to learn to cook meat with surprising results.
The Last Serving by Lincoln Michel (2023) — 1,006 words (about 4 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Lightspeed magazine issue #152, January 2023.
What if there really was something to those fears of what lies under your bed or in your closet?
The Ghasts by Lavie Tidhar (2023) — 4,932 words (about 20 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Uncanny magazine issue #53, July/August 2023.
A unique allegory about othering at 30,000 feet.
Over Moonlit Clouds by Coda Augeuy-Pegon (2023) — 6,900 words (about 28 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Apex magazine issue #136, March 2023.
This is an inside look at a reality show of the future. I don’t think I’d be participating in this one.
The Narrative Implications of Your Untimely Death by Isabel J. Kim (2023)
Originally published in Lightspeed magazine issue #152, January 2023.
A clerk for the ruling fascists presides over a warehouse of the personal effects and paperwork of the government’s victims with whom he can converse.
The Relationship of Ink to Blood by Alex Langer (2023) — 4,700 words (about 19 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Apex magazine issue #138, May 2023.
An unusual story told in the second person.
Timelock by Davian Aw (2023) — 5,620 words (about 23 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in Clarkesworld magazine issue 202, July 2023.
This one may take you back to that old high school crush.
“Ain’t Houses, Ain’t Names” by Nino Cipri (2023) — 3,340 words (about 13 minutes for the average reader)
Originally published in The Sunday Morning Transport, 16 July 2023.
An allegory for what technology is doing to so many of us today.
Loneliness Universe by Eugenia Triantafyllou (2024) — 8,173 words (about 32 for the average reader)
Originally published in Uncanny magazine issue #58, May/June 2024.