Here is another exciting collection of brand new stories from such masters of science fiction and fantasy as Barrington Bayley, John Russell Fearn, Philip E. High and Dan Morgan, and other top writers well known to followers of FANTASY ANNUAL, now in its fifth year of publication!
Undreamed-Of Wonders From The Farthest Reaches Of Imagination In this second volume of the previous year's finest short fantastic fiction, acclaimed editor and anthologist David G. Hartwell showcases new works by stellar literary artists -- acknowledged masters of the genre and exceptionally talented newcomers alike. Astonishing worlds come alive in these pages -- realms of strange creatures and remarkable sorceries, as well as twisted shadow versions of our inhabited earthly plain. A bold and breathtaking compendium of tales -- including a new Earthsea story from the incomparable Ursula K. Le Guin -- Years's Best Fantasy 2 is the state-of-the-art of a unique and winning genre, offering unforgettable excursions into new realities wondrous, bizarre, enchanting...and terrifying.
In print and on-line, science fiction and fantasy is thriving as never before. A multitude of astonishingly creative and gifted writers are boldly exploring the mythic past, the paranormal present, and the promises and perils of myriad alternate worlds and futures. There are almost too many new and intriguing stories published every year for any reader to be able to experience them all. So how to make sure you haven’t missed any future classics? Award-winning editor and anthologist Jonathan Strahan has surveyed the expanding universes of modern sf and fantasy to find the brightest stars in today’s dazzling literary firmament. From the latest masterworks by the acknowledged titans of the field to fresh visions from exciting new talents, this outstanding collection is a comprehensive showcase for the current state of the art in both science fiction and fantasy. Anyone who wants to know where the future of imaginative short fiction is going, and treat themselves to dozens of unforgettable stories, will find this year’s edition of Best Science Fiction and Fantasy to be just what they’re looking for!
E. C. Tubb's novelette SPAWN OF JUPITER tells a gripping story of greed and courage when men are caught in the mighty forces of an alien planet, and leads off another unique collection of science fiction, fantasy and the supernatural, including: STRANGER IN OUR MIDST An unusual and thought-provoking full-length novel by JOHN RUSSELL FEARN Plus other entirely new stories: DARK PEAK A chilling horror story by BRIAN BALL DREAMBOAT An intriguing fantasy by SYDNEY J. BOUNDS THE GUNMAN A "Western" with a difference by PHILIP E. HIGH Another not-to-be-missed Cosmos Books paperback original collection!
Award-winning anthologists Jane Yolen and Patrick Nielsen Hayden have combed through a year's worth of books and magazines and websites to find the most outstanding fantasy and science fiction stories of 2004--and collected them into a single volume aimed specifically at teens and young adults. Many of today's most popular authors are represented here, including: * Garth Nix, author of Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen, who presents an unforgettable tale of two swords, two daughters, and two endings.... * S. M. Stirling, author of Island in the Sea of Time, sends a likeable young barbarian across the Channel to Alba, for a confrontation with a wizard from faraway Nantucket that will change his life forever... * David Gerrold, creator of "The Trouble with Tribbles," who takes you to a remote countryside surrounded by a mysterious darkness, whose secret has yet to be revealed...
The late SYDNEY J. BOUNDS' vivid new story PLAGUE PIT tells the horrifying story of what happens when an out-of-control modern technology meshes with an Ancient Evil, and is the first of several all-new stories by this much-loved master of fantasy leading off this special collection of science fiction, fantasy and supernatural stories, including: THIS WORLD IS OURS, a bizarre tale of the future by the late PHILIP E. HIGH, another great writer who is no longer with us; PRISONER OF TIME, an engrossing short novel of the weird consequences of a scientist's revenge by JOHN RUSSELL FEARN; SLEEVE OF CARE, a classic chilling fantasy by E. C. TUBB; plus many other entirely new stories by: BRIAN BALL, ANTONIO BELLOMI, ERIC BROWN, JOHN GLASBY, TONY GLYNN. Another Cosmos Books paperback original collection!
In the new millennium, what secrets lay beyond the far reaches of the universe? What mysteries belie the truths we once held to be self evident? The world of science fiction has long been a porthole into the realities of tomorrow, blurring the line between life and art. Now, in The Year's Best Science Fiction Twenty-Fifth Annual Collection the very best SF authors explore ideas of a new world. This venerable collection of short stories brings together award winning authors and masters of the field such as Robert Reed, Ian McDonald, Stephen Baxter, Michael Swanwick, Paolo Bacigalupi, Kage Baker, Walter Jon Williams, Alastair Reynolds, and Charles Stross. And with an extensive recommended reading guide and a summation of the year in science fiction, this annual compilation has become the definitive must read anthology for all science fiction fans and readers interested in breaking into the genre. "This venerable annual’s twenty-fifth edition represents a milestone for editor Dozois. He has kept faith with the series for a quarter-century without ever shortchanging, or even showing any signs of shortchanging, readers on either quality or abundance of selections."--Booklist