The Future Is Here.

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

Discover fifteen unforgettable science fiction and fantasy short stories—illustrated in full color—featuring twelve emerging voices alongside three acclaimed masters of the genre. From visionary sci-fi to emotionally rich fantasy and quiet horror, this collection delivers bold “what ifs” that linger long after the final page.

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.

Perfect for fans of:

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

Includes:

• 12 illustrated science fiction & fantasy short stories
• 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 authors and illustrators—your launchpad into the future of science fiction and fantasy.

Get it now.